Shohei Ohtani is a renowned Japanese professional pitcher and designated hitter nicknamed "Shotime" and "The Unicorn". As of October 2025, he is a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He formerly played for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham-Fighters, guiding the Japanese team to glory in the 2016 Japan Series, in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 2013 until 2017.
The five-time MLB All-Star signed with Los Angeles Angels in 2018, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in the same year. He joined the Dodgers in 2024 after becoming a free agent in 2023. In his first season with the Dodgers, he won the World Series. Ohtani has also helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic in 2023.
Who are Shohei Ohtani's Parents?
Toru Ohtani and Kayoko Ohtani are the parents of Shohei Ohtani. The couple gave birth to the Los Angeles Dodgers star on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan.
Who is Shohei Ohtani's Mother?
Kayoko Ohtani is the mother of Shohei Ohtani. She excelled in badminton during her youth and played at an amateur level. She would take her son to the badminton courts when he was little, as per People.
In an interview with MLB (via People) in 2017, Shohei opened up on his experience of playing badminton with his mother. He said:
"I can't beat her in badminton to this day. She's tall and she's been playing badminton for a long time."
Who is Shohei Ohtani's Father?
Toru Ohtani is the father of Shohei Ohtani. He used to play as an outfielder for a corporate-sponsored baseball team, as per Mainichi (via People). However, he stopped playing the sport after a shoulder injury at 25 and went to work full-time at a local automobile factory, as per People.
Speaking to Nippon (via People), Shohei revealed that his father helped shape his career as a baseball coach in his childhood. He said:
"Up until I reached high school, we probably spent more time together on the field than anywhere else. There was no special treatment. In practice and games, I didn't think of him as my dad. He was first and foremost my coach."
According to People, Toru Ohtani used to note down advice for his son in a journal. He revealed to Nippon that he aimed to make his son understand his choices on the field better. He also urged the Dodgers star to be loud and energetic, give his all in practice sessions, and never stop running on the field.
What Nationality are Shohei Ohtani's Parents?
Shohei Ohtani was born to Toru Ohtani and Kayoko Ohtani, both of whom are Japanese nationals residing in Oshu, Japan. As per reports, Shohei grew up with two siblings, an older sister named Yuka and an older brother named Ryuta. Like Shohei, Ryuta is also involved in amateur baseball at the industrial league level in Japan.
READ MORE: Shohei Ohtani Wife
FAQs on Shohei Ohtani
A. Shohei Ohtani's wife, Mamiko Tanaka, is a former professional basketball player in Japan.
A. Shohei Ohtani wears the jersey number 17 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB.
A. Shohei Ohtani is 31 years old as of October 2025.
